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Comparative cytologic yield and quality of three Pap smear instruments
W L Toffler1, C K Pluedeman, A E Sinclair
1Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
Family Medicine
|June 1, 1993
Summary
The cervical brush significantly improves endocervical cell yield in Pap smears compared to other instruments. Taking multiple samples enhances cell recovery, reducing false negatives in cervical cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Cervical sampling methods have high false-negative rates (18-45%).
- Improved yields of endocervical cells can potentially reduce these false-negative rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of different cervical sampling instruments.
- To evaluate the impact of multiple sampling on endocervical cell yield.
Main Methods:
- 301 women underwent Pap smear collection using a cervical brush, plastic spatula, and cotton swab in random order.
- Comparison of endocervical cell yield between instruments and number of samples.
Main Results:
- The cervical brush provided superior endocervical cell samples compared to the spatula and swab (P < .001).
- Cell recovery increased with each additional sample taken (P < .001).
- No significant difference in yield between the second and third samples.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of the cervical brush is recommended for Pap smear sampling.
- Taking more than one sample per screening can enhance endocervical cell yield.